Project whore: interview with ‘Mary Haddock-Staniland’

“Mary Haddock-Staniland is an energetic, larger than life, passionate, and out-there character, she has a determination to succeed and believes in squeezing every last drop out of life.

Mary is a superb MC, presenter, raconteur, blogger, voice over artist and occasional guest on TV and radio, along with being a savvy business woman. Mary has the ability to balance all of this all in a day! Over the last twelve years Mary has been something of a fixture on the Auckland social circuit. She has variously hosted beauty pageants, charity auctions, and even taken part in NZ Fashion Week events.”

1. What are your thoughts on prostitution?
Personally I don’t get it. Everyone in life has a choice. You decide what path you want to take in your life. You get out of life what you put in, and I think prostitution is the “easy way” out. The emotional and mental harm it must do to you is a concern to me, I wish I could go by sweep everyone up off the street and bring them back to me, and look after everyone, give them homes and jobs and show them that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

2. Have you slept with a sex worker before?
No, never.

3. Why or why not?
It isn’t something I’ve ever needed to do.

4. What does the word ‘whore’ mean to you?
Whore to me means someone who isn’t ok with who they are. Someone who goes out to get attention from the same or opposite sex.

5. Do you believe in monogamy?
I do, but I also think that people aren’t designed or built to be with the same person forever. These days relationships are more flexible, and I would personally see no issue with the changing face of mine, as long as both agreed.

6. Have you been solicited to, by a sex worker in the street? Male or female?
No I never have.

7. Do you think sex work is a choice?
Yes, I do. I understand both sides, for and against. But I think people should be allowed to be given a second chance, whatever that may be.

8. Are you heterosexual, bisexual or gay?
I am a Transgendered individual.

9. Are you tempted to pay for sex, if you want to experiment?
No, I’ve never been tempted to pay for sex.

10. Lastly, do you judge others who visit sex workers regularly?
I’ve spent my entire life being judged, I wouldn’t judge someone for visiting sex workers. It is their choice, you’re entitled to that.